---
title: "West Ham United: Journalist makes ‘big money’ transfer claim on James Tarkowski price tag"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-united-journalist-makes-big-money-transfer-claim-on-james-tarkowski-price-tag/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2021-12-17T18:15:45Z"
modified: "2021-12-17T18:15:45Z"
---

# West Ham United: Journalist makes ‘big money’ transfer claim on James Tarkowski price tag

**Speaking to[GiveMeSport,](https://www.givemesport.com/1804098-west-ham-transfer-news-fresh-james-tarkowski-pricetag-claim-emerges-ahead-of-january) journalist Pete O’Rourke has made a ‘big money’ transfer claim involving West Ham United and James Tarkowski’s price tag.**

### The Lowdown: Tarkowski targeted…

As per [reports](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-tarkowski-very-keen-to-join-west-ham-as-burnley-price-tag-tumbles/), Burnley’s mainstay is one of the defenders manager David Moyes is eyeing for West Ham ahead of the January transfer window amid serious injuries to both [Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma.](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10288835/West-Ham-David-Moyes-confirms-transfer-priority-new-defender-Zouma-Ogbonna-injuries.html)

[West Ham latest updates!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-updates/)

The 29-year-old is also out of contract at Turf Moor at the end of this season with his current deal set to expire in [2022](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-tarkowski/profil/spieler/173504), meaning he can leave for free next year.

This could feasibly force Burnley to sell in January to make money off a sale, potentially putting any interested club in a strong negotiating position.

[Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-tarkowski-very-keen-to-join-west-ham-as-burnley-price-tag-tumbles/) suggests that Burnley have slashed Tarkowski’s price at a discounted £20 million despite valuing him at £35m last year. However, O’Rourke has different information.

### The Latest: O’Rourke drops Tarkowski claim…

Speaking to [GMS](https://www.givemesport.com/1804098-west-ham-transfer-news-fresh-james-tarkowski-pricetag-claim-emerges-ahead-of-january), he actually hears that the Clarets will be demanding ‘big money’ for his services – even despite his contract situation.

*“James Tarkowski could be another target, but from what I’m hearing, they’re looking for big money.*

*“I don’t think Burnley are that keen on losing him because they need him if they want to stay up and survive relegation, so it’s a tricky one for West Ham.”*

### The Verdict: Move on…

Given the reporter’s information, we believe West Ham could be better placed turning to other targets if Burnley demand a huge fee.

Nathaniel Phillips, for example, is also on the radar of Moyes and reliable sources claim he could leave for just £10 million in January ([Evening Standard](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-nat-phillips-transfer-news-liverpool-b971851.html)).

Younger at 24 and making more clearances per 90 than any Liverpool player last season ([WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/26/Archive/England-Liverpool?stageId=18685)), the Englishman could certainly come as a far more astute option than Tarkowski.

***In other news: ‘We are back’, ‘What I wanted to hear’…ExWHUemployee’s ‘best news’ has many fans buzzing, find out more [here.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-transfer-rumours/west-ham-united-jesse-lingard-update-exwhuemployee-transfer-news-latest-rumours/)***